Life of Pi

Ang Lee

Plot Summary

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this visual masterpiece from Oscar® Winner Ang Lee (Directing, Brokeback Mountain, 2005), based on the best-selling novel. After a cataclysmic shipwreck, young Pi Patel finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with only one other survivor – a ferocious Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Bound by the need to survive, the two are cast on an epic journey that must be seen to be believed.

Credits

Actors

Director

Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews

TOMATOMETER

Top Critics' Reviews

Fresh: This transcendent fable carries a real sting in its tail. Ang Lee has made a bold and wondrous movie, one of his best. – Tom Charity, CNN.com, Nov 21, 2012

Fresh: A movie that can't be dismissed because there is too much in it but can't be embraced because it's all spread too thin. – Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle, Nov 21, 2012

Fresh: Mr. Lee's film is stronger as a visual experience-especially in 3-D-than an emotional one, but it has a final plot twist that may also change what you thought you knew about the ancient art of storytelling. – Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal, Nov 22, 2012

Fresh: There's an audience out there for this movie, but the question is whether they will find it. – James Berardinelli, ReelViews, Nov 21, 2012

Customer Reviews

A BEAUTIFUL CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

by
Broken Headphones

There's a reason why people are calling "Life of Pi" one of the best movies of the year. What director Ang Lee has created here is nothing short of a masterpiece, both in the visual and intellectual sense. What may initially seem like the simple story about a boy and a tiger stranded together in the middle of the ocean is actually a deeply spiritual and often inspiring examination on the tenacity of the human spirit. It also shows the many lengths one will go to in order to survive based on natural instinct. I was completely enthralled by this film from beginning to end, and I'll be the first to admit that I even shed a few tears at one point. I can't quite explain it, but "Life of Pi" moved me in such a way that no other movie has done before, and to say it proudly did justice to the novel that inspired it would be a cruel understatement. This, my friends, is a true cinematic triumph in every sense of the word.

Based on the best-selling book by Yann Martel, "Life of Pi" tells the incredible story of Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, the 16-year-old son of a zookeeper who must leave his home country of India to travel by sea with his family and their several animals for a new life in Canada. But when Pi is whisked away into the ocean during a shipwreck, he manages to survive by climbing into a lifeboat, only to find out that a dangerous Bengal tiger has made it onto the vessel as well. Determined to stay alive, Pi quickly learns to adapt to his surroundings in order to live side by side with the beast (who he names Richard Parker), but as time goes on, their connection as survivors turns into something truly extraordinary.

Suraj Sharma is a revelation as Pi. His character's unshakable belief in God and determined spirit help carry the film to a whole other level, and his relationship with Richard Parker is both stunning and strangely surreal. Speaking of Parker, he's one of the best animal actors to appear in any film (despite the fact that he's an entirely computer-animated creation). Those of you who haven't seen the movie might be wondering how a tiger could ever be strong enough to deliver a memorable, Oscar-worthy performance. Well, let's just say that once you see this film, you may just gain a better appreciation for motion-capture technology in live-action cinema. Lee also has a fantastic way of making the screenplay feel consistently engaging at every single turn. From the majestic visual artistry of the various animals that appear in the film to the contemplative scenes of silence that Pi and Richard Parker share over a series of astounding oceanic backdrops, "Life of Pi" fully captures your attention and doesn't let go until the very end.

The fact that "Life of Pi" has recently been nominated for an astounding eleven Oscar nominations just goes to show how affecting this movie really is. The performances are top-notch, the eye-popping technical effects are a joy to watch on their own, and the narrative is both beautifully simplistic and emotionally satisfying. I don't wanna give away any spoilers for anyone who hasn't seen the film for themselves yet. All I'll say is that the events that take place are a lot to take in. Quite simply, this is the most beautiful picture I've seen all year. It's a magical experience for young and old alike, one that shouldn't be forgotten.

A Visual, Spiritual, and Emotional Masterpiece!

by
Brad Thompson

Going in to see "Life of Pi", I hadn't read the book beforehand, so I can't say in good conscience that I had any high expectations for it. But wow, this movie was absolutely incredible from beginning to end. I know that may sound like an exaggeration, but I'm being serious. This is simply one of the best films I've seen in 2012 by far. The cinematography was unbelievably beautiful, the unexpectedly thrilling story kept my full attention all the way through, and the acting was truly out of this world. Suraj Sharma gives a heartbreaking, honest performance as the main character Pi, and even his co-star, the computer-animated tiger Richard Parker, was a treat to watch. Together, they share one of the most nuanced yet powerful relationships ever shown on film. The score by Mychael Danna is also terrifically well-done, but the brilliant technical visuals are what really made me fall in love with the artistry of this flick. Not since "The Avengers" have I seen state-of-the-art 3D being put to such amazing use. What else can I say? I enjoyed just about everything "Life of Pi" had to offer. Does it have its slight flaws at times? Sure, but when you have a film as fantastic as this, none of those issues even matter. If you wanna watch a genuinely entertaining movie with sympathetic characters, gorgeous visual effects, and deeply emotional storytelling, this is a great pick. Whether you're young or old, "Life of Pi" has something memorable for everyone!

Life of Pi

by
tmuse00

A true masterpiece of filmmaking and one of the best movies I've seen all year. IMO it should win Best Picture at the Oscars. Truly wonderful movie!